Board Holds August Meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, August 1, 2018, for their August board meeting.  Nineteen directors were present and eleven guests were.

Craig Stump, President, called the meeting to order.

Kolt Buchenroth talked about his articles on Facebook – titled “Show box Saturday”.  These are interview articles, full of information about fair topics.

Mark Light, OSU 4-H Extension Agent, stated 4-H Livestock Judging is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7th.  He also stated that extension will be on the ballot in the fall.  Mark stated that the youth horse exhibitors have asked to have a youth horse fun show on Saturday of the fair and the fair board agreed to let them have it.  Norma Harshbarger, from the “In Ohio Country Today TV show” asked if the board would like to do some advertising on their TV show. Craig Stump stated that the advertising budget was already set for this year’s fair, but maybe it could be an option for next year.

Corey Ledley told the board that Quest Federal Credit Union had asked to rent the community building for their annual meeting.  The board agreed to let them pay half to rent the building, since they have donated so much money to the fairgrounds.

Kelly Buchenroth, representing the ground’s committee, stated – since the last work day that was scheduled, go rained out, a new date for Saturday, August 11th has been scheduled.  They will be painting the 4-H/Machinery Buildings and installing a fan in the youth horse barn.

Craig Stump, representing the Camping Committee, stated all fair camping spots have been paid for.  Fair campers can now come to the fair office and pick up their hang tags, season tickets and sign their camping papers Monday –Friday from 9am-5pm.

An update on how ticket sales were going for the Saturday night concert with Dylan Scott and opener “Brown and Gray” was discussed.  All tickets, including reserved seats, can be purchased by going to the fair’s website www.hardincountyfair.org or by coming in to the office Monday – Friday 9am -5pm.  Posters for the concert and tug-a-truck event will also be on display at all businesses selling season tickets.  Billboards advertising for the concert will be going up this month. The Hour of Inspiration speaker this year will be Janelle Meade and music will be provided by the St. John’s Evangelical church praise band.  Demo Derby applications can be obtained on our website at www.hardincountyfair.org or at the Fair Office.

Rabbit tattooing is scheduled for Saturday, August 11th from 9am-11am.  Don Spar stated the weigh scales were checked and certified today.

Janie Seiler, chairperson of the rides/concession’s dept., stated there are open vendor spots in the Merchant’s and Community Buildings.  There is also ground space available. It was noted there will not be any putt putt golf this year. No one has showed interest in doing it.

Sherri Beale and Nancy Rickenbacher, representing the Jr. Fair Board, handed out the Jr. Fair Board committee members to the Senior Fair Board.  They also requested the directors state what time they need the Jr. Fair Board members to arrive at their events.

Howard Lyle discussed minutes from the 4th of July committee meeting.  He stated there will be a Grand Marshal for the parade.  Their next meeting will be October 8th at 7pm in the Fair Office.

Under old business:

A judge for Photography is still needed.  The Fair Office is now open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm until the fair.  Reserved seats for the Band, Choir, Tractor Pull and Demo Derby are now available in the Fair Office.  Season and Membership Tickets are also now available. Season Tickets are also on sale in the community at various businesses.  A list of those businesses can be located on the Fair’s website. Jr. Fair entries have now closed and Open Class entries can now be made until Friday, August 17th at 5pm in the Fair office, or by entering them on line at the Fair’s website.

Under new business:

The emergency management meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15th at 6:30pm and then the arts/crafts building will be set up for the fair after that meeting.  The fairground work day with the Jr. Fair board members is scheduled for Saturday, August 18th – starting at 8:30am.  Whole hog sausage is on sale in the Fair Office until Friday, September 7th.  Only pre orders will be accepted.  Seasoned and unseasoned bulk and patties will be $3.00 per pound.  Jack McBride stated there is around 2900 Jr. Fair entries, with 874 exhibitors for the 2018 fair.

The next regular board meeting will be Wednesday, August 29th at 7:00pm in the Community Building.  Note: change in location!